Texas Tech Athletic Director Gerald Myers answers questions from the media following a news conference announcing Tommy Tuberville as the new head football coach. (John A. Bowersmith/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)

Tuberville agreed in principle before he was hired on Saturday and introduced at a news conference on Sunday. He has not yet signed the contract, however. Shortly after Tuberville's introductory news conference ended, he was whisked off to Orlando, Fla., for the four-day American Football Coaches Association convention that ended Wednesday.

"We're making some progress on it,'' Myers said after the meeting.

Myers said Lane Kiffin's resignation Tuesday at Tennessee to take the Southern Cal head-coaching job did not add urgency for Tech. He said the plan all along was to finalize Tuberville's contract once he returned from Orlando.

Myers said Tuberville's contract terms call for guaranteed pay of $1.5 million in 2010, $1.6 million in 2011, $1.7 million in 2012, $1.8 million in 2013 and $2.0 million in 2014. The deal also includes incentives allowing Tuberville to make more.

Assuming Tuberville signs the deal, it will represent a cost savings to Tech of more than $4 million compared to what it would have paid recently fired coach Mike Leach.

Last February, Leach signed a five-year, $12.7 million contract. Tech fired him "for cause'' on Dec. 30, meaning it does not intend to pay a $1.6 million buyout that would be due otherwise. Leach is contesting that in court.

Myers said other contract details with Tuberville, such as buyouts for either side, were still to be determined.